ANSBAUGH AUDITORIUM

ANSBAUGH AUDITORIUM

The Ansbaugh Auditorium is the Museum’s gateway for your visit …

… with ever-changing and stimulating exhibits that unfold before you, including the wonders of Sonoran Desert life, history and prehistory, plus works by local artists.  The auditorium is named after Roberta Ansbaugh who was actively involved in the “museum-to-be”.

Indian pottery at cave creek museum

Enjoy an amazing collection of art and bronzes capturing the splendor of the West and the vivid colors of the Sonoran Desert.  Artists include many famous local painters and sculptors.  Jerry Sieve’s photographs are now on display.

ancient woven baskets

Learn about the remarkable critters and plants that resist blistering heat and exist on limited water. Dig into the hands-on baskets to look closely at local wonders. Don’t miss the saguaro cross-section that shows how it survives in the desert.

ancient woven baskets

This old-time schoolhouse exhibit represents school rooms from an era past, and children love it!  They love going back in time to experience what it was like for students many years ago.

hohokam pit house exhibit

“Home Away From Home” exhibit captures the moment a hostess and serviceman get up from their table to dance and put the war on hold for a few minutes. The United Service Organization (USO) was founded in 1941 and communities rallied to create clubs in all available locations: gymnasiums, storefronts, barns, churches, private homes and railroad cars. Military personnel relied on USO clubs for companionship, hot coffee and their famous USO doughnuts.